The new video walks people through the process so they know what to expect and how to prepare

Asylum hearing help from new video

People seeking asylum will be helped to prepare for appeal hearings by a new video created by experts from the University of Exeter and Asylum Aid.

Many people seeking asylum arrive at tribunals with little knowledge of the process, and researchers say this can make it difficult for them to give their best possible evidence.

The new video walks people through the process so they know what to expect and how to prepare.

The Home Office makes the initial decision on any asylum application, and a tribunal is held if an application is refused and the applicant appeals.

“We have watched many tribunal hearings and spoken to many appellants, and they are often very confused about the process,” said Professor Nick Gill, of the University of Exeter.

“One person told us they thought their hearing was a practice, and the real thing was still to come.

“Because hearings are held in a room with lawyers and a judge, many appellants associate it with being a criminal, which can be stressful.

“The aim of this video is to explain the process so that people can give their best evidence at their hearing.

“If you know of anyone who is facing an asylum tribunal hearing, please let them know about it.”

During the production process, the film was shown to focus groups of people who had experienced tribunal hearings.

They recalled problems such as not knowing how to address the judge, and their feedback was used to develop the now-published version.

Responding to the final film, one said: “If I was seeing this video I would have been feeling more confident.”

Another added: “Being told is not enough, knowing what it looks like is helpful.”

S Chelvan, a barrister who specialises in immigration cases, said: “This video is going to be a vital resource for people seeking asylum chartering through the minefield in an easy and digestible format.”

The video is currently in English only, but the producers are raising funds to record voiceovers in 14 more languages.